Bainbridge pupils discover their gardening skills

YOUNGSTERS in the Yorkshire Dales have been hard at work learning the art of garden design –as they prepare for one of the country’s top flower festivals.

Pupils from Bainbridge CE primary have been looking at colour combinations and planting techniques to create a garden that captures the essence of springtime.

The youngsters, aged from seven to nine, have received design tips and expert advice from award-winning garden designer Chris Myers.

Courtesy of the Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust they have also been discussing the importance and beauty of spring wildflower habitats in the Dales, and the pollinating insects that feed on them.

And together the team will create a “Pocket Garden” measuring one metre square, for the Harrogate Spring Flower Show in two months’ time.

Headteacher Charlotte Harper said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for our children in many ways.

“To be able work closely with an expert such as Chris is such an enriching experience and they have got such a lot out of designing their own gardens using plants which are native to our beautiful Yorkshire Dales.

“Being able to show these at the Harrogate Spring Flower Show is an additional bonus and gives us the chance to engage with our wider community.”

Mr Myers added: “The children have really got into this project. What they have learnt so far about the flowers of the Dales has made them want to look deeper into the countryside that surrounds them.

“In turn this has allowed their minds to get creative and the designs they have come up with are really impressive.”